Common Name:

General Information

Stapelia kwebensis is an evergreen, succulent, perennial plant looking somewhat like a cactus. It produces a clump of erect, four-angled stems about 15cm tall and 12mm thick[, ].
The plant is probably harvested from the wild and eaten locally. The plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern Africa - Namibia, Botswana, southern Zimbabwe, northern S. Africa.

Habitat

Flat, rocky areas, in the open or below bushes[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.15 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of arid areas in the tropics and subtropics, requiring a period of the year with no rainfall. It is difficult to grow under humid and wet summer rainfall conditions[].
Grows best in a sunny position, but also succeeds in light shade in hot climates[]. Requires a well-drained soil, preferably on the light side[]. Prefers a pH in the range 6.5 - 7.5[].
Generally the plants grow reasonably fast and will flower within 2 - 3 years when grown from seed[].
The plant often forms large colonies in the wild[].
The flowers are foul-smelling, with an aroma reminiscent of the odour of rotting meat[].

Edible Uses

Some reports say that the whole plant (roots and top growth) are edible, whilst others say only the roots are eaten and still others that the plant is not edible! If it is eaten, then it is probably baked in hot ashes, mixed with other foods such as Schinziophyton nuts, the leaves of Talinum spp., and the corms of Eulophia spp., which re then all pounded together[]. With its soft texture, this food is likely to be a preferred food for older peoples in traditional tribes[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - takes about a year to ripen, but germinates rapidly after sowing. Fresh seed usually germinates better[]. Sow the seed in a container in a well-drained, light, sandy soil mixed with compost and cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep the temperature at 25 - 35°c, in a shaded and fairly moist position. Keep seedlings well ventilated and in good light to prevent damping off. Once the seedlings are about 50mm high, they can be pricked out and planted (be careful not to damage the roots when pricking out!)[].
Cuttings should be taken during the active growing stage to ensure good rooting, before the plants enter their dormant phase. Plants grow easily from cuttings as long as they are given adequate time to dry out before planting (at least two weeks). Leave the cuttings in the shade to dry out, then place them in a well-ventilated area with about 40% shade. Water daily during very hot weather[].
Plants that do not grow well from cuttings can also be propagated by grafting[].

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